Isaiah 30:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Complete Jewish Bible:

'No!' you say, 'We will flee on horseback!' Therefore you will surely flee. And, 'We will ride on swift ones!' So your pursuers will be swift.

Berean Standard Bible:

“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.

American Standard Version:

but ye said, No, for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But ye said^{H559}, No; for we will flee^{H5127} upon horses^{H5483}; therefore shall ye flee^{H5127}: and, We will ride^{H7392} upon the swift^{H7031}; therefore shall they that pursue^{H7291} you be swift^{H7043}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Isaiah 30:16

Isaiah 30:16 is a verse set within the broader context of the prophet Isaiah's messages to the southern kingdom of Judah during the 8th century BCE. This period was marked by political instability, with Judah often caught between the competing powers of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon. In this verse, Isaiah addresses the misguided reliance of the people of Judah on military strength and speed, particularly their trust in swift horses, as a means of guaranteeing their security and escape from enemy threats.

The historical context suggests that Judah's leaders were considering alliances with stronger nations, like Egypt, to protect themselves against the Assyrian empire's aggression. Rather than seeking divine help and guidance, they placed their confidence in military might and the speed of their cavalry, believing that swift horses would ensure their ability to flee from danger or to outrun their pursuers. Isaiah rebukes this attitude, highlighting the folly of such human efforts without the Lord's favor.

The themes of this verse include the dangers of self-reliance, the futility of military might without God's blessing, and the importance of trusting in the Lord's protection rather than in human strategies. Isaiah emphasizes that true salvation and security come from God alone, and he warns that reliance on temporal power will ultimately lead to swift pursuit and downfall. This message serves as a stark reminder that spiritual and moral strength, grounded in faithfulness to God, is more enduring than physical strength or technological advantage. Isaiah's prophetic warning is a call to repentance and a return to reliance on God's wisdom and might, rather than on the transient power of military resources.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5127
   There are 143 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נוּס
   Transliteration: nûwç
   Pronunciation: noos
   Description: a primitive root; to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver); [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5483
   There are 131 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סוּס
   Transliteration: çûwç
   Pronunciation: soos
   Description: or סֻס; from an unused root meaning to skip (properly, for joy); a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight); crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare פָּרָשׁ.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7392
   There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָכַב
   Transliteration: râkab
   Pronunciation: raw-kab'
   Description: a primitive root; to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch; bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7031
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קַל
   Transliteration: qal
   Pronunciation: kal
   Description: contracted from קָלַל; light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial); light, swift(-ly).
   
6. Strong's Number: H7291
   There are 135 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָדַף
   Transliteration: râdaph
   Pronunciation: raw-daf'
   Description: a primitive root; to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively (of time) gone by); chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r).
   
7. Strong's Number: H7043
   There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָלַל
   Transliteration: qâlal
   Pronunciation: kaw-lal'
   Description: a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.); abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet.